Now more than ever, access to broadband is critical to participate in online learning, access medical care via telehealth, search for jobs, or simply to stay in touch with family and friends. Fontana Regional Library is pleased to announce the launch of the Hotspot Loan Program on February 21, 2022, as many in our community rely on their local libraries in Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties for connectivity.
With grant funding provided by the State Library of North Carolina through the SLNC Adapts program, Fontana Regional Library is responding to the needs of patrons by bringing digital tools such as WiFi into the community. “We are excited to launch this program and look forward to working with folks to let them know about this opportunity and how it can help bridge the digital divide," says Library Director Karen Wallace.
With a hotspot, you can setup and connect to WiFi internet with speeds up to 25 Mbps from anywhere you can get a cell signal! Patrons 16 and over, with a Fontana Regional Library library card in good standing, may check out a hotspot for three weeks at a time. There are a limited number of hotspots available for loan so renewals will be allowed if there’s no one else waiting to check out the equipment. There is no charge for the service but charges may be incurred for losses or not returning a device. This program is in alignment with the Fontana Regional Library Strategic Plan and supports education and connectivity goals.
Anyone interested in checking out a hotspot can call or visit your local library for more information.
This service is made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-250229-OLS-21).
The fine print:
- Only patrons 16 and over with a Fontana Regional Library card in good standing may check out a mobile hotspot
- Three week checkout with renewals allowed if there is no waiting list
- $50 charge if hotspot is lost, not returned, or returned damaged
- $15 if power cord/charger is lost or not returned
- Borrowers will sign a user agreement before borrowing the equipment
- Devices will be disabled when they are one week overdue
- Devices must be returned inside (no drop boxes)
- Borrowers will be asked to fill out a survey upon return of equipment